How to Tile a Kitchen Backsplash, Cont'd

• Ron pulled the handle all the way back toward him and then pushed down the handle and rolled the wheel forward. This created a scoring mark on the surface of the tile. Once scored, Ron tapped the handle downward and the tile was broken apart along the score line.

• Occasionally, a cut may leave a slightly ragged edge. Ron showed the Grytings how to clean off an edge with tile nippers.

6. Grout:

• The tile looked great. Grouting between the tiles was the only step left. After the mortar had set completely, they mixed up the grout.

• Ron used a foam rubber float to force the grout into the gaps between the tiles. Then, holding the float at about a 45-degree angle, he raked it across the surface of the tiles diagonally to squeegee off the excess.

• Ron explained that when the grout slightly bulges out from between the tiles, that means the grout has gone all the way to the bottom of the joint and is squishing out, which is what they wanted.

• The grouting process was a little messy, but Ron assured Kimberley that the mess was okay. All of the excess grout was easily cleaned off after it began to dry. When a thin, chalky film began to form on the surface of the tile, it was time to wash off the residue.

• They used damp sponges, rinsing frequently, to clean the haze from the tiles. Ron cautioned the to take care not to pull the grout back out of the joints with the sponge.

7. Install new range hood:

• Once the grout was dry, it was time to install the new range hood.

• With the power turned off, Ron fed the wires through the back of the new hood while Paul helped hold it in place.

• Just as they had removed the old hood, they installed the new one by locating the four holes and then attaching it under the cabinet with screws.